Early Childhood

Early Childhood

Develop important physical, social, creative, and emotional skills

Research shows that early childhood provides a critical window for developing many important physical, social, creative and emotional skills.

To make the most of this time when your little one is prime for learning, the Park District offers a variety of programs. From music and art to computers and cooking, we have something that will interest your child and inspire them.

In some classes, children and their parents or caregivers can enjoy quality time together. In others, children can learn independence while their special adult is not present. All early childhood classes are led by caring and expert staff who design age-appropriate activities to ensure your child has the best possible experience.

Youth Athletics

Don't miss our Parent/Tot Athletic classes!

Learn more

Programs with Adults

1130109 / Mini Gym

Come for an energetic morning in the gym! This interactive program includes circle time, free play, rhythm instruments, bubbles, and more! Your child learns and grows through songs and visual stimulation. All children attending class must be registered.
1130109-1 - Mini Gym
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
1/8/2025 - 3/19/2025
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
16-24mo w/Adult
1130109-2 - Mini Gym
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
1/8/2025 - 3/19/2025
10:15 am - 11:15 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
16-24mo w/Adult

1130112 / Growing Up!

Growing up can be hard to do. Watch your child flourish into a pro-preschooler while you join them for this transitional class that helps both grown-ups and toddlers ease the anxieties of independence. Our teachers provide a nurturing environment filled with play based learning and social development. Help be part of the next step and watch your child grow and develop some independent skills. Children learn how to follow teacher instruction and a class structure by playing with friends, doing crafts, and participating in a circle time, all with their grown up right by their side. The goal is, that by the end of the session, your child will be participating with their friends independently and be on their way to preschool!
1130112-1 - Growing Up!
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
1/7/2025 - 3/18/2025
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/Adult

1130113 / Kiddie Kreations with Brickton Art Center

Draw it, paint it, stick it, and sculpt it! Brickton Art Center provides excellent projects and directions to teach children to discover colors, textures, and other skills in this hands-on art class. Children work on sharing and listening skills as they create beautiful art projects with their special adult, while making friends and trying new things.
1130113-1 - Kiddie Kreations with Brickton Art Center
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
1/7/2025 - 2/11/2025
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2.00-3.99
1130113-2 - Kiddie Kreations with Brickton Art Center
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
2/18/2025 - 3/18/2025
10:15 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2.00-3.99

1130114 / Wee Chefs

We provide easy, age-appropriate instruction in basic cooking combined with skill development in measuring, mixing, pouring, nutrition, safety, and following direction. Enjoy a new a delicious creation each week. All children attending class must be registered and please only one adult in attendance per child.
1130114-2 - Wee Chefs
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
1/6/2025 - 3/17/2025
10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
2-3 w/Adult

1130116 / Jr Gym

Come for a morning in the gym! Children will play, do crafts, sing songs, and participate in our circle time. All children must be registered to attend.
1130116-1 - Jr. Gym
Register
Availability
Unavailable
Res/NonRes
1/9/2025 - 3/20/2025
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
28-36mo w/Adult

Programs without Adults

5130203 / Learn and Play

Learn you letters, count with numbers. Enhance your child's preschool experience while exploring our community and natural surroundings. Exciting weekly themes prompt children to discover fun through stories, create unique crafts and projects. Don't miss out on play time fun while developing important skills for life!
5130203-5 - Learn and Play
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/13/2024 - 12/20/2024
9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
3y-4y

5130213 / Little Chefs

From meatballs to guacamole, we're stirring up a recipe for fun! Each week your child slices, dices, stirs, peels, measures, and mixes their way through this class. We provide easy, age appropriate, basic cooking instruction while in a safe environment. Fee includes food supplies, an apron, cookbook, and tastings.
5130213-11 - Little Chefs
Register
Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
10/31/2024 - 12/19/2024
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
4-6 w/o Adult

5130214 / Baking Buddies

Every week is a bake off in Baking Buddies! Cookies, cupcakes, pretzels, and muffins! These are just a few of the things we will be stirring up in the kitchen. Kids will learn that baking is a science. Precise measurements, mixing and frosting are all part of the fun. Experiment with colors, flavors and decorating while creating delicious baked goods. Fee includes food supplies, an apron, cookbook and tastings!
5130214-11 - Baking Buddies
Register
Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
11/1/2024 - 12/20/2024
1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
4-6 w/o Adult

5130221 / Letter Learners

Children must be age appropriate by September 1, 2024 No class Nov 27
5130221-1 - Letter Learners
Register
Availability
Available
Res/NonRes
9/11/2024 - 12/18/2024
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Location
Maine Park
Ages
3-4y w/o Adult

5130222 / Kindergarten Bookworms

In small group setting, your kindergartner works on the fundamentals of beginning to read. Letter sounds and word recognition are taught through games and rhyming and picture clues. Have your child discover the joy of reading! Children must be age appropriate by September 1, 2024.
5130222-1 - Kindergarten Bookworms
Register
Availability
Cancelled
Res/NonRes
9/11/2024 - 12/18/2024
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location
Maine Park
Ages
5-6y w/o Adult
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